My Design World

I am not sure if it is the marble/stone itself or the soft colour palette of the finishes in these kitchens but they do seem to all have a similar look and feel. It is very much the look and feel that I love.

It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!

Super rustic .. and super slick. What a fabulous combination. The soft wash of light on the stone above is beautiful. I must say I do love a stylish table lamp in the kitchen. It softens what is often a harshly lit utility area and turns it instead into somewhere that is inviting to spend time in. This works particularly well in an open plan kitchen/family room situation.

Perfect for washing those pots and pans ... sheer genius.

images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit. These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.

the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors ... the result being pure luxury.

A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.

So inviting ... so unlike a hotel !!

Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.

Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.

Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.

There continues the trend for the earthy and rustic, natural materials, texture and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. On closer inspection it is really contemporary with an industrial edge.

There is a strong emphasis on collections and the owners possessions playing an integral part in the softening of the hard edges. Ones books, paintings and photographs, the decoration and character, without which would be minimalist.

A timeless monochrome palette with the addition and warmth of subtle shades of taupe, faded washed out grey, blue and green linens, leather, worn wood and stone.

There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail ... the sense that we have been there before.

Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room. Let's face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere. There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works. The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc

The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.

In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.

The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.

Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.

As you can imagine, everyone is talking Milan and the Salone del Mobile Furniture Fair at this time of year. My inbox is flooded with many versions of the pieces and the designers that have supposedly stolen the show. These are the pieces that stood out for me.

Hermes Club Bar

The glamour of this drinks cabinet defies belief.

Alexander McQueen Rug by the Rug Co

Wonderfully over the top ... as one would expect.

Hermes Lighting

Never before have Hermes ventured into lighting but here it is, a small and perfect collection.

Philippe Starck Folding Chair

I simply love this chair for it's extremely slick take on a very casual piece of furniture ... not to mention the unimaginable quality of the tan leather.

Brunello Cucinelli

So interesting, the number of fashion houses doing furniture and homewares.

Mount Street, Mayfair is without doubt my favourite street in London. Its architecture sets it apart from the rest of Mayfair ... both its homogeneity and distinctive red brick. New and edgy brands like Aesop (the Australian skincare brand), sit beside some of Mayfair's oldest.

Aesop's first London outlet, with interior by Ilse Crawford of Studioilse (who I have written about before), is located in a magnificent Victorian Grade II listed mansion block in Mount Street.

Original parquet floors have been left raw, fireplaces reinstated and tall ceilings exposed. The end result has been widely celebrated.

While soaking up the grandeur of Melbourne's Block Arcade recently, I was similarly impressed ... the extent to which period detailing had been incorporated as a design element in shop fitouts, rather than covered up as once would have been the case.

Very simply put ... it is the challenge in the juxtapositioning of old and new ... and the delicate balance of getting it right.